Power semiconductor device

ABSTRACT

A drift region has a first conductivity type. A well region is at least partially included in an interface area, has an end portion between the interface area and an edge termination area, and has a second conductivity type. An extension region extends outward from the well region, is shallower than the well region, and has the second conductivity type. A plurality of field-limiting rings are provided outside the extension region in the edge termination area. Each of the field-limiting rings together with the drift region located on the inner side forms a unit structure. The field-limiting ring located closer to the outside has a lower proportion of a width to a width of the unit structure. The unit structure located closer to the outside has a lower average dose.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a power semiconductor device.

BACKGROUND ART

According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-231011 (Patent Document 1), an extraction region is disposed between a transistor region and a termination region disposed around the transistor region in an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). A p-type layer is provided on an n⁻-type drift layer in the extraction region. The p-type layer is connected to an emitter electrode. A dummy gate electrode is provided on the p-type layer with an insulating film therebetween. The dummy gate electrode is connected to a gate electrode. A current density easily increases in a boundary between the extraction region and the termination region, namely, at an outer end of the p-type layer, during a turn-off operation of the IGBT. As a result, thermal breakdown may occur. A current breaking capability during the turn-off operation is limited by this phenomenon.

According to the description in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a lattice defect is introduced in the termination region. Thus, carrier annihilation in the termination region is facilitated, which reduces the carrier concentration in the extraction region during the turn-off operation of the IGBT. Therefore, the depletion from the p-type layer toward the collector is accelerated, and electric field strength decreases. As a result, the current breaking capability during the turn-off operation of the IGBT improves. On the other hand, no lattice defect is introduced in the extraction region. This intends to avoid an increase in ON-state voltage. As described above, the technology in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 intends to improve the breaking capability during the turn-off operation without adversely affecting the ON-state voltage of the IGBT.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-231011

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

Both of a low ON-state voltage and a high breaking capability can be obtained to some extent by the above-mentioned technology. However, a trade-off relationship between both of them in an IGBT still needs improvements and further needs technologies. Other power semiconductor devices have similar challenges, and diodes, for example, need improvements in the trade-off relationship between the low ON-state voltage and the high breaking capability during a recovery operation. Additionally, reducing the manufacturing cost of the semiconductor device is strongly required while the above-mentioned basic performance is guaranteed. If the chip size of the semiconductor device can be reduced without sacrificing the performance, the number of chips manufactured from one wafer increases, allowing the manufacturing cost to be reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power semiconductor device having both of a small size and a high breaking capability.

Means to Solve the Problems

A power semiconductor device of the present invention has an active area, an interface area provided around a periphery of the active area, and an edge termination area provided around a periphery of the interface area. The power semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The semiconductor substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface and the second surface each being located across the active area, the interface area, and the edge termination area. The semiconductor substrate includes a drift region of a first conductivity type, a well region of a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type, an extension region of the second conductivity type, and a plurality of field-limiting rings of the second conductivity type. The drift region is provided across the active area, the interface area, and the edge termination area. The well region is provided on the first surface, is at least partially included in the interface area, and has an end portion on the first surface between the interface area and the edge termination area. The extension region extends outward from the well region on the first surface and is shallower than the well region. The field-limiting rings are provided on the first surface outside the extension region in the edge termination area. The drift region is located on the inner side of each of the field-limiting rings on the first surface, and each of the field-limiting rings together with the drift region located on the inner side forms a unit structure. The field-limiting ring located closer to the outside has a lower proportion of a width to a width of the unit structure on the first surface. The unit structure located closer to the outside has a lower average dose. The first electrode is provided in the active area and contacts the first surface of the semiconductor substrate. The second electrode contacts the second surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Effects of the Invention

In the power semiconductor device according to one aspect of the present invention, the unit structure that is formed of the field-limiting ring provided in the edge termination area and that is located closer to the outside has a lower average dose. This configuration can sufficiently suppress the electric field strength in a smaller edge termination area. Thus, the chip size of the power semiconductor device can be reduced without sacrificing the area of the active area. Furthermore, the local temperature rise in the boundary between the interface area and the edge termination area can be suppressed. In other words, both of the small chip size and the high static and dynamic breaking capability can be obtained.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a structure B of an IGBT as a power semiconductor device in a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view taken along a II-II line in FIG. 1 (IGBT 900B, structure B).

FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing a configuration of a second surface of a semiconductor substrate in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a structure A of an IGBT in a comparative example when seen similarly to FIG. 2 (IGBT 900A, structure A).

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a structure C of an IGBT as a power semiconductor device in the first embodiment of the present invention when seen similarly to FIG. 2 (IGBT 900C, structure C).

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a structure D of an IGBT as a power semiconductor device in the first embodiment of the present invention when seen similarly to FIG. 2 (IGBT 900D, structure D).

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a circuit used for a simulation of a turn-off operation of an IGBT.

FIG. 8 is a graphical representation showing turn-off waveforms obtained from the simulation using the circuit in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a graphical representation showing a temperature distribution of an upper surface S1 of a device in a D-D′ line each in the structure A (broken line) of the comparative example and the structure C (solid line) of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a graphical representation showing a relationship between a peak temperature T_(max) in FIG. 9 and a ballast-resistance-region width (L_(EEBR)).

FIG. 11 is a graphical representation showing each turn-off waveform of a collector-emitter voltage V_(CE) and a collector current I_(C) in the comparative example (broken line) having the structure A and in the embodiment (solid line) having the structure D.

FIG. 12A is a distribution chart showing a current potential and a hole concentration when t=t_(ON) (FIG. 11) in the structure A as the comparative example.

FIG. 12B is a distribution chart showing the current potential and the hole concentration when t=t_(peak) (FIG. 11) in the structure A as the comparative example.

FIG. 13A is a distribution chart showing the current potential and the hole concentration when t=t_(ON) (FIG. 11) in the structure D as the embodiment.

FIG. 13B is a distribution chart showing the current potential and the hole concentration when t=t_(peak) (FIG. 11) in the structure D as the embodiment.

FIG. 14A is a distribution chart showing a carrier concentration inside the device when t=t_(ON) (FIG. 11) in the structure A as the comparative example.

FIG. 14B is a distribution chart showing the carrier concentration inside the device when t=t_(ON) (FIG. 11) in the structure D as the embodiment.

FIG. 15A is a distribution chart showing the carrier concentration inside the device when t=t_(peak) (FIG. 11) in the structure A as the comparative example.

FIG. 15B is a distribution chart showing the carrier concentration inside the device when t=t_(peak) (FIG. 11) in the structure D as the embodiment.

FIG. 16A is a distribution chart showing the carrier concentration inside the device when t=t_(tail) (FIG. 11) in the structure A as the comparative example.

FIG. 16B is a distribution chart showing the carrier concentration inside the device when t=t_(tail) (FIG. 11) in the structure D as the embodiment.

FIG. 17A is a distribution chart showing electric field strength inside the device when t=t_(ON) (FIG. 11) in the structure A as the comparative example.

FIG. 17B is a distribution chart showing the electric field strength inside the device when t=t_(ON) (FIG. 11) in the structure D as the embodiment.

FIG. 18A is a distribution chart showing the electric field strength inside the device when t=t_(peak) (FIG. 11) in the structure A as the comparative example.

FIG. 18B is a distribution chart showing the electric field strength inside the device when t=t_(peak) (FIG. 11) in the structure D as the embodiment.

FIG. 19A is a distribution chart showing the electric field strength inside the device when t=t_(tail) (FIG. 11) in the structure A as the comparative example.

FIG. 19B is a distribution chart showing the electric field strength inside the device when t=t_(tail) (FIG. 11) in the structure D as the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a graphical representation showing an example of relationships between a proportion λ of a p-collector layer in the structure D and various electrical characteristics, which are a saturation current density J_(C) (sat), an ON-state voltage V_(CE) (sat), a turn-off maximum breaking current density J_(C) (break), and a maximum breaking energy E_(SC) when a short circuit occurs.

FIG. 21 is a graphical representation showing relationships between a dose in collector and the turn-off maximum breaking current density J_(C) (break) in the structure A (broken line) as the comparative example and the structure D (solid line) as the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a graphical representation showing reverse bias safe operating areas (RBSOAs) in the structure A (broken line) as the comparative example and the structure D (solid line) as the embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a section of a configuration of a planar IGBT as another comparative example taken along the II-II line (FIG. 1) (IGBT 900Z).

FIG. 24 is a graphical representation showing trade-off characteristics between the ON-state voltage V_(CE) (sat) and a turn-off loss E_(OFF) in the structure D (solid line) as the embodiment, the structure A (broken line) as the comparative example, and the planar IGBT (alternate long and short dashed line) as the other comparative example.

FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a structure E in a modification when seen similarly to FIG. 2 (IGBT 900E, structure E).

FIG. 26 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a structure F in a modification (IGBT 900F, structure F).

FIG. 27 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a structure G of an IGBT as a power semiconductor device in a second embodiment of the present invention (IGBT 900G, structure G).

FIG. 28 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a region XXVIII in FIG. 27 in more detail.

FIG. 29 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a pseudo-well of field-limiting rings in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30A is a graphical representation showing simulation results of each turn-off waveform of the collector-emitter voltage V_(CE) and a collector current density J_(C) in the comparative example (broken line) having the structure A and in the embodiment (solid line) having the structure G.

FIG. 30B is a graphical representation showing simulation results of peak temperatures inside the devices in the comparative example (broken line) having the structure A and in the embodiment (solid line) having the structure G.

FIG. 31A is a distribution chart showing simulation results of temperatures inside the devices in the comparative example having the structure A and in the embodiment having the structure G.

FIG. 31B is a distribution chart showing simulation results of impact ionization rates inside the devices in the comparative example having the structure A and in the embodiment having the structure G.

FIG. 32A is a graphical representation showing relationships between a position X and electric field strength E_(edge) on the upper surface of the substrate each in a dynamic state (solid line) and a static state (broken line) of the comparative example having the structure A.

FIG. 32B is a graphical representation showing relationships between the position X and the electric field strength E_(edge) on the upper surface of the substrate each in the dynamic state (solid line) and the static state (broken line) of the embodiment having the structure G.

FIG. 33 is a graphical representation showing relationships between a position X_(edge) along a F-F′ line and electric field strength E in the static state of the comparative example (broken line) having the structure A (FIG. 4) and the embodiment (solid line) having the structure G (FIG. 27).

FIG. 34 is a graphical representation showing relationships between a breakdown voltage class V_(class) and a necessary width W_(edge) of an edge termination area in the comparative example having the structure A and in the embodiment having the structure G.

FIG. 35 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a structure H of a modification of FIG. 28 (IGBT 900H, structure H).

FIG. 36A is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a structure I of a modification of FIG. 28 (IGBT 900I, structure I).

FIG. 36B is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a structure J of a modification of FIG. 28 (IGBT 900J, structure J).

FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a diode as a power semiconductor device in a third embodiment of the present invention (diode 800A).

FIG. 38 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a diode in a comparative example (diode 800Z).

FIG. 39 is a graphical representation showing waveforms of a voltage V_(AK) and a current density J_(A) during a recovery operation and a peak temperature T inside the device in each of the embodiment (solid line) and the comparative example (broken line).

FIG. 40A is a graphical representation showing a relationship between a position X along a G-G′ line (FIGS. 37 and 38) and the current density J_(A) at a time t_(d) (FIG. 39) in each of the embodiment (solid line) and the comparative example (broken line).

FIG. 40B is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X along the G-G′ line (FIGS. 37 and 38) and a temperature T of an upper surface S1 of the device in each of the embodiment (solid line) and the comparative example (broken line).

FIG. 41 is a distribution chart showing relationships between widths L_(ABR), W_(p0) in FIG. 37 and a temperature inside the device at the time t_(d) (FIG. 39).

FIG. 42A is a distribution chart showing relationships between the widths L_(ABR), W_(p0) in FIG. 37 and a current density inside the device at the time t_(d) (FIG. 39).

FIG. 42B is an enlarged view of each of the broken line regions in FIG. 42A.

FIG. 43 is a graphical representation showing relationships between a proportion γ of an area S_(abr) of a ballast resistance region to an area S_(active cell) of an active area and a maximum breaking current density J_(A) (break) or an inside-device maximum temperature T_(max) during a recovery operation.

FIG. 44 is a plan view for describing the area S_(active cell) of the active area and the area S_(arb) of the ballast resistance region.

FIG. 45A is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a diode as a power semiconductor device in a fourth embodiment of the present invention (diode 800B).

FIG. 45B is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a modification of FIG. 45A (diode 800C).

FIG. 45C is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a modification of FIG. 45A (diode 800D).

FIG. 45D is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a modification of FIG. 45A (diode 800E).

FIG. 46A is a graphical representation showing simulation results of waveforms of a voltage V_(AK) and a current density J_(A) during a recovery operation in each of the embodiment (solid line) and the comparative example (broken line).

FIG. 46B is a graphical representation showing simulation results of a peak temperature T inside the device during the recovery operation in each of the embodiment (solid line) and the comparative example (broken line).

FIG. 47A is a graphical representation showing a relationship between a position X in a H-H′ line (FIG. 38) of the comparative example and electric field strength E_(surface) when t=t₁ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 47B is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 38) of the comparative example and the electric field strength E_(surface) when t=t₂ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 47C is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 38) of the comparative example and the electric field strength E_(surface) when t=t₃ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 47D is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 38) of the comparative example and the electric field strength E_(surface) when t=t₄ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 48A is a graphical representation showing a relationship between a position X in a H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the electric field strength E_(surface) when t=t₁ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 48B is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the electric field strength E_(surface) when t=t₂ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 48C is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the electric field strength E_(surface) when t=t₃ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 48D is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the electric field strength E_(surface) when t=t₄ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 48E is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the electric field strength E_(surface) when t=t₅ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 48F is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the electric field strength E_(surface) when t=t₆ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 49A is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 38) of the comparative example and a current density j_(surface) when t=t₁ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 49B is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 38) of the comparative example and the current density j_(surface) when t=t₂ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 49C is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 38) of the comparative example and the current density j_(surface) when t=t₃ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 49D is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 38) of the comparative example and the current density j_(surface) when t=t₄ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 50A is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the current density j_(surface) when t=t₁ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 50B is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the current density j_(surface) when t=t₂ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 50C is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the current density j_(surface) when t=t₃ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 50D is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the current density j_(surface) when t=t₄ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 50E is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the current density j_(surface) when t=t₅ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 50F is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the current density j_(surface) when t=t₆ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 51A is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 38) of the comparative example and a temperature T_(surface) of an upper surface S1 of the device when t=t₁ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 51B is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 38) of the comparative example and the temperature T_(surface) of the upper surface S1 of the device when t=t₂ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 51C is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 38) of the comparative example and the temperature T_(surface) of the upper surface S1 of the device when t=t₃ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 51D is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 38) of the comparative example and the temperature T_(surface) of the upper surface S1 of the device when t=t₄ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 52A is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the temperature T_(surface) of an upper surface S1 of the device when t=t₁ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 52B is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the temperature T_(surface) of the upper surface S1 of the device when t=t₂ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 52C is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the temperature T_(surface) of the upper surface S1 of the device when t=t₃ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 52D is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the temperature T_(surface) of the upper surface S1 of the device when t=t₄ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 52E is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the temperature T_(surface) of the upper surface S1 of the device when t=t₅ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 52F is a graphical representation showing a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the temperature T_(surface) of the upper surface S1 of the device when t=t₆ (FIGS. 46A and 46B).

FIG. 53 is a graphical representation for describing recovery safe operating areas in the comparative example (indicated by triangles) and the embodiment (indicated by circles).

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding portions have the same reference numerals in the drawings, and their description will not be repeated.

First Embodiment About IGBT 900B

With reference to FIG. 1, an IGBT 900B (power semiconductor device) has an active area AR1, an interface area AR2 provided around a periphery of the active area AR1, and an edge termination area AR3 provided around a periphery of the interface area AR2. The active area AR1 is a portion having basic functions of the power semiconductor device, and a portion having basic functions of the IGBT in this embodiment. The edge termination area AR3 is a portion for increasing breakdown voltage characteristics, stability, and reliability in a static state of the power semiconductor device and for keeping breakdown strength in a dynamic state. The interface area AR2 is a portion connecting the active area AR1 and the edge termination area AR3 to each other and a particularly important portion for keeping the breakdown strength in a dynamic state.

The active area AR1 of the IGBT 900B includes emitter electrodes 13 a having an emitter potential, a gate pad 29 having a gate potential, and a gate wiring portion 28 extending from the gate pad 29.

With reference to FIG. 2, a structure (referred to as a structure B) of the IGBT 900B is described. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional structure taken along a II-II line in FIG. 1. The IGBT 900B includes a substrate SB (semiconductor substrate), an emitter electrode 13 a (first electrode), a gate connecting electrode 13 b, electrodes 13 c, 13 d, a collector electrode 4 (second electrode), a gate electrode 22, a gate wiring layer 22 w, capacitor electrodes 23, 32, a trench insulating film 10, interlayer insulating films 12 a, 12 b, and passivation films 14, 15. In this embodiment, the substrate SB is made of silicon (Si). The substrate SB has an upper surface S1 (first surface) and a lower surface S2 (second surface opposite to the first surface). The upper surface S1 and the lower surface S2 are each located across the active area AR1, the interface area AR2, and the edge termination area AR3. The substrate SB includes an n⁻-drift layer 1 (drift region), an n-buffer layer 2, a p-collector layer 3 (collector region), an n₊-emitter layer 5, a p⁺-layer 6, a p-base layer 8, an n-layer 24, and a p-guard ring 9.

The n⁻-drift layer 1 is provided across the active area AR1, the interface area AR2, and the edge termination area AR3. The n⁻-drift layer 1 has an n-type (first conductivity type) and has an impurity concentration of, for example, approximately 1×10¹² to 1×10¹⁵ cm⁻³. A floating zone (FZ) wafer manufactured by a FZ method or an epitaxial wafer manufactured by an epitaxial method may be prepared for the n⁻-drift layer 1. In this case, a portion of the substrate SB except for the n⁻-drift layer 1 may be formed by ion implantation and an annealing technique.

The n-layer 24 is provided between the n⁻-drift layer 1 and the p-base layer 8. The n-layer 24 has the n-type, has an impurity peak concentration at a concentration higher than the impurity concentration in the n⁻-drift layer 1 and at a concentration lower than the p-base layer 8, and has the impurity peak concentration of, for example, approximately 1×10¹⁵ to 1×10¹⁷ cm⁻³. A depth position that the n-layer 24 reaches from the upper surface S1 of the substrate SB is deeper than the p-base layer 8 and has a depth of, for example, approximately 0.5 to 1.0 μm deeper than the p-base layer 8.

The n-buffer layer 2 has a portion located between the n⁻-drift layer 1 and the p-collector layer 3 in the active area AR1, and has a portion located between the n⁻-drift layer 1 and the collector electrode 4 in the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3 in this embodiment. The n-buffer layer 2 has the n-type, has an impurity concentration higher than the impurity concentration in the n⁻-drift layer 1, and has an impurity peak concentration of, for example, approximately 1×10¹⁵ to 1×10¹⁷ cm⁻³. A depth position that the n-buffer layer 2 reaches from the lower surface S2 of the substrate SB is, for example, approximately 1.5 to 50 μm.

The n⁻-drift layer 1, the n-layer 24, and the buffer layer 2, which have been described above, as a whole form a region having the n-type (first region). In addition, one or both of the n-layer 24 and the n-buffer layer 2 may be omitted.

The p-base layer 8 (second region) is provided on the region (first region) including the n⁻-drift layer 1 and the n-layer 24, and provided directly above the n-layer 24 in this embodiment. A depth position that the p-base layer 8 reaches from the upper surface S1 of the substrate SB is deeper than the n₊-emitter layer 5 and shallower than the n-layer 24. The p-base layer 8 has a p-type (second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type) and has an impurity peak concentration of, for example, approximately 1×10¹⁶ to 1×10¹⁸ cm⁻³.

The n₊-emitter layer 5 (third region) is provided on the p-base layer 8 and disposed on the upper surface S1. The n₊-emitter layer 5 has a depth of approximately 0.2 to 1.0 μm, for example. The n₊-emitter layer 5 has the n-type and has an impurity peak concentration of, for example, approximately 1×10¹⁸ to 1×10²¹ cm⁻³.

The p⁺-layer 6 is provided on the p-base layer 8 and disposed on the upper surface S1. The p⁺-layer 6 has a surface impurity concentration of approximately 1×10¹⁸ to 1×10²¹ cm⁻³, for example. A depth position that the p⁺-layer 6 reaches from the upper surface S1 of the substrate SB is preferably the same as or deeper than the n₊-emitter layer 5.

The p-collector layer 3 is provided only in the active area AR1 and forms part of the lower surface S2. The p-collector layer 3 has the p-type and has a surface impurity concentration of, for example, approximately 1×10¹⁶ to 1×10²⁰ cm⁻³. The p-collector layer 3 has a depth of, for example, approximately 0.3 to 1.0 μm from the lower surface S2 of the substrate SB.

The p-guard ring 9 is provided on the upper surface S1 and has the p-type. The p-guard ring 9 has a p-well region 9 a and a p-edge region 9 b. The p-well region 9 a is connected to the emitter electrode 13 a through the p⁺-layer 6 provided on the upper surface S1 in the active area AR1. The p-well region 9 a is at least partially included in the interface area AR2 and has an end portion on the upper surface S1 between the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3. The p-well region 9 a further increases the breaking capability of the IGBT 900B.

The p-edge region 9 b is included in the edge termination area AR3 and is located far from the interface area AR2. In addition, FIG. 2 schematically shows only one p-edge region 9 b, but a plurality of p-edge regions 9 b are designed so as to be disposed at an interval from each other according to voltage being maintained.

A gate trench TG and a capacitor trench TC are provided on the upper surface S1 of the substrate SB in the active area AR1. A side wall of the gate trench TG faces each of the n⁻-drift layer 1 and the n-layer 24 (first region), the p-base layer 8, and the n₊-emitter layer 5. A side wall of the capacitor trench TC faces each of the n⁻-drift layer 1, the n-layer 24, and the p-base layer 8 in this embodiment. The capacitor trench TC located on the outermost side of the active area AR1 reaches the inside of the p-well region 9 a of the p-guard ring 9. The trench insulating film 10 covers the gate trench TG and the capacitor trench TC of the substrate SB.

The gate electrode 22 has a portion filling the gate trench TG with the trench insulating film 10 therebetween and faces the p-base layer 8 between the n₊-emitter layer 5 and the n-layer 24 (first region) with the trench insulating film 10 between the p-base layer 8 and the gate electrode 22. The capacitor electrode 23 has a portion filling the capacitor trench TC with the trench insulating film 10 therebetween. Providing the capacitor electrode 23 suppresses a density of saturation current in the IGBT 900B and suppresses an oscillation phenomenon of gate voltage when a load on the IGBT 900B is short-circuited. In addition, the capacitor trench TC and the capacitor electrode 23 may be omitted.

The interlayer insulating film 12 a is provided on the upper surface S1 of the substrate SB. The emitter electrode 13 a, the gate connecting electrode 13 b, and the electrodes 13 c, 13 d are provided on the interlayer insulating film 12 a. The emitter electrode 13 a is provided in the active area AR1 and contacts the upper surface S1 of the substrate SB. Specifically, the emitter electrode 13 a contacts each of the n₊-emitter layer 5 and the p⁺-layer 6 through a contact hole provided in the interlayer insulating film 12 a. The gate connecting electrode 13 b contacts the gate wiring layer 22 w through a contact hole. Thus, the gate connecting electrode 13 b is short-circuited to the gate electrode 22 and thus has a gate potential. The electrode 13 c contacts the p-well region 9 a through a contact hole. The electrode 13 c may be short-circuited to the emitter electrode 13 a. The electrode 13 d is a floating electrode and contacts the p-edge region 9 b through a contact hole in the IGBT 900B.

The interlayer insulating film 12 b is provided on the upper surface S1 of the substrate SB. The interlayer insulating film 12 b insulates the substrate SB and the gate wiring layer 22 w from each other. The interlayer insulating film 12 b may have a portion located between part of the interlayer insulating film 12 a and the substrate SB.

The collector electrode 4 is provided on the lower surface S2 of the substrate SB. The collector electrode 4 contacts the p-collector layer 3 in the active area AR1. The collector electrode 4 may contact the n-buffer layer 2 (more generally, the above-described first region) in the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3, as shown in FIG. 2.

A channel stop structure CS is preferably provided in the edge termination area AR3. In this embodiment, an n-region 34, a p-region 38, and an n⁺-region 35 are formed on the upper surface S1 of the substrate SB in the stated order. Further, a channel stop trench TS that penetrates these regions and reaches the n⁻-drift layer 1 is provided on the upper surface S1. A channel stop electrode 32 is provided in the channel stop trench TS with the trench insulating film 10 therebetween. An electrode 13 having a floating potential may be provided on the channel stop electrode 32. Another structure may be used instead of the channel stop structure CS described above, and a structure formed of the n⁺-region 35 may simply be used, for example.

With reference to FIG. 3, if a proportion of an area of the p-collector layer 3 to the lower surface S2 of the substrate SB is set to be λ, λ is preferably greater than or equal to 55% and less than or equal to 70%. In other words, 55≦100×(X_(p)×Y_(p))/(X_(n)×Y_(n))≦70 is preferably satisfied. Herein, X_(n) and Y_(n) represent the chip size of the IGBT 900B. When λ<55%, a hole injection from the p-collector layer 3 in the active area AR1 of the IGBT is insufficient, and thus an ON-state voltage (V_(CE) (sat)) increases. When λ>70%, electric field strength of a weak spot (arrow WS in FIG. 2) due to a local temperature rise during a turn-off operation of the IGBT as described below is not reduced because a carrier injection from the p-collector layer 3 occurs in an ON state of the IGBT and causes carriers in the portion of the arrow WS, thereby reducing the breaking capability. Consequently, a value of λ has an appropriate range according to a balance of the performance of the IGBT. In addition, a proportion of a total of the active area AR1 and the interface area AR2 to the lower surface S2 preferably exceeds 70% and is, for example, approximately 75%.

(About IGBT 900A)

With reference to FIG. 4, an IGBT 900A in an comparative example is different from the IGBT 900B and has the p-collector layer 3 in another area in addition to the active area AR1. Specifically, the p-collector layer 3 is provided on the entire lower surface S2 of the substrate SB. The configuration except for this is almost the same as that of the IGBT 900B described above.

In the IGBT 900A, repetitive turn-off operations are likely to particularly cause a local temperature rise in the boundary between the active area AR1 and the interface area AR2 on the upper surface S1 of the substrate SB, namely, the arrow WS (FIG. 2). This phenomenon may limit the breaking capability of the IGBT 900A.

(About Action Effects of IGBT 900B)

The p-collector layer 3 is not provided in the edge termination area AR3 and the interface area AR2 in the IGBT 900B shown in FIG. 2 unlike the IGBT 900A. This suppresses a temperature rise in the arrow WS in the breaking operation of the IGBT 900B. The active area AR1 has the same configuration as that in the IGBT 900A and thus is not adversely affected in such a manner that ON-state voltage increases. Accordingly, the IGBT 900B has both of a low ON-state voltage and a high breaking capability.

(About IGBT 900C)

With reference to FIG. 5, a contact (see FIG. 4) of the electrode 13 c to the p-well region 9 a is not provided in an IGBT 900C. The p-well region 9 a has an electrical path that connects the emitter electrode 13 a to an end portion (arrow WS in the diagram) of the p-well region 9 a with the p-type region on the upper surface S1. This electrical path crosses the interface area AR2 between the active area AR1 and the edge termination area AR3 and has a resistance region having a width L_(EEBR). The entire resistance region is covered with the interlayer insulating film 12 b. The width L_(EEBR), which will be described below in detail, is set so as to suppress a local temperature rise in one of ends of the resistance region by sharing the temperature rise at both the ends during the breaking operation of the IGBT. A local temperature rise occurs in the portion of the arrow WS in the IGBT 900A (FIG. 4), whereas the resistance region is provided in the IGBT 900C to share a temperature rise at both the ends of the resistance region. Such effect is referred to as a ballast resistance, and the resistance region is also referred to as a ballast resistance region.

The configuration except for the above-described configuration is almost the same as that of the IGBT 900B described above.

Under the operation of the IGBT 900C, a local temperature rise occurs not only in a position of one end (right end of the width L_(EEBR) in the diagram) of the ballast resistance region but also in a position of another end (left end of the width L_(EEBR) in the diagram), the position of the one end corresponding to the position of the boundary between the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3 (arrow WS in FIG. 5). This causes the temperature rise to be distributed, and thus the local temperature rise in the arrow WS can be reduced. Herein, the active area AR1 has the same configuration as that in the IGBT 900A, so that the ON-state voltage is not adversely affected. Accordingly, the IGBT 900C has both of a low ON-state voltage and a high breaking capability.

(About IGBT 900D)

With reference to FIG. 6, an IGBT 900D has the characteristics of each of the IGBTs 900B, 900C described above. Specifically, the p-collector layer 3 is provided only in the active area AR1 similarly to the IGBT 900B. Moreover, the ballast resistance region having the width L_(EEBR) is provided similarly to the IGBT 900C. The configuration except for this is almost the same as that of the IGBT 900B or the IGBT 900C described above. The IGBT 900D can have both of a low ON-state voltage and a high breaking capability by the action of each of the IGBTs 900B and 900C described above.

(Verification of Effects of IGBT 900C)

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a circuit used for a simulation of a turn-off operation of an IGBT of 4500V class. FIG. 8 shows turn-off waveforms obtained from using the circuit in FIG. 7, namely, relationships between a time t and a collector-emitter voltage V_(CE). FIG. 9 shows a temperature distribution in the X coordinate along a D-D′ line (FIGS. 4 and 5) immediately before a collector current density J_(C) abruptly decreases (at the point indicated by an arrow in FIG. 8) each in the IGBT 900A (broken line) as the comparative example and the IGBT 900C (solid line) as the embodiment in which L_(EEBR)=200 μm. FIG. 10 shows a relationship between a peak temperature T_(max) inside the device and L_(EEBR).

As seen from the simulation results, the peak temperature T_(max) inside the device can be suppressed by sharing voltage in the ballast resistance region, and when L_(EEBR) is particularly set to be greater than or equal to 100 μm, T_(max) can be set to be less than or equal to 800 K. As described above, it is clear that providing the ballast resistance region can prevent breakdown due to heat generation, that is to say, providing the ballast resistance region can increase the breaking capability of the IGBT.

(Verification of Effects of IGBT 900B and IGBT 900D)

FIG. 11 shows an example of each turn-off waveform in the IGBT 900A (broken line) as the comparative example and in the IGBT 900D (solid line) as the embodiment. FIG. 12A shows a current potential and a hole concentration in an ON state of the comparative example (t_(ON) in FIG. 11) from the view of FIG. 4. FIG. 12B shows the current potential and the hole concentration at a peak of a collector-emitter voltage V_(CE) during turn-off of the comparative example (t_(peak) of the broken line in FIG. 11) from the view of FIG. 6. FIG. 13A shows the current potential and the hole concentration in an ON state of the embodiment (t_(ON) in FIG. 11) from the view of FIG. 6. FIG. 13B shows the current potential and the hole concentration at a peak of the collector-emitter voltage V_(CE) during turn-off of the embodiment (t_(peak) of the solid line in FIG. 11) from the view of FIG. 4. FIGS. 14A and 14B respectively show a carrier concentration inside the device when t=t_(ON) (FIG. 11) in the comparative example and the embodiment. FIGS. 15A and 15B respectively show the carrier concentration inside the device when t=t_(peak) (FIG. 11) in the comparative example and the embodiment. FIGS. 16A and 16B respectively show the carrier concentration inside the device when t=t_(tail) (FIG. 11) in the comparative example and the embodiment. FIGS. 17A and 17B respectively show electric field strength inside the device when t=t_(ON) (FIG. 11) in the comparative example and the embodiment. FIGS. 18A and 18B respectively show the electric field strength inside the device when t=t_(peak) (FIG. 11) in the comparative example and the embodiment. FIGS. 19A and 19B show the electric field strength inside the device when t=t_(tail) (FIG. 11) in the comparative example and the embodiment.

As seen from FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B, 15A, 15B, 16A, and 16B, the carrier concentration of the IGBT 900D (structure D) in the embodiment is almost the same as that in the active area AR1 of the IGBT 900A in the comparative example, but the carrier concentration in the edge termination area AR3 of the IGBT 900D is lower than that of the IGBT 900A. The reason is conceivable that a hole injection from the p-collector layer 3 does not occur in the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3. It is conceivable that this action is also similar to that in the IGBT 900B (structure B) having the same collector structure as the IGBT 900D.

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B, 18A, 18B, 19A, and 19B, the above-mentioned action accelerates electric field relaxation and depletion in the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3 during the turn-off operation. Particularly with reference to FIGS. 19A and 19B, the electric field relaxation in the boundary between the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3 on the upper surface S1 contributes to an improvement in the breaking capability.

With reference to FIG. 20, a proportion λ of an area of the p-collector layer 3 to the lower surface S2 of the substrate SB needs to be appropriate to keep a suitable balance between a high breaking capability and a low ON-state voltage. In the diagram, λ=100% corresponds to the collector structure of the IGBT 900A in the comparative example. As seen from the results shown, λ is preferably greater than or equal to 55% and less than or equal to 70%. Setting a value of λ from 55 to 70% can both achieve a high turn-off maximum breaking current density J_(C) (break) and no adverse effect of increasing an ON-state voltage V_(CE) (sat).

The result that λ=75% in the graph corresponds to the structure in which the p-collector layer 3 is provided in the active area AR1 and the interface area AR2 and not provided in the edge termination area AR3. When λ is increased to 75%, a noticeable decrease is seen in the turn-off maximum breaking current density J_(C) (break). This indicates that providing no p-collector layer 3 in the interface area AR2 is important in order to increase J_(C) (break).

FIG. 21 shows an example of relationships between a dose of ion implantation for forming the p-collector layer 3 and the turn-off maximum breaking current density J_(C) (break) in the IGBT 900A (broken line) as the comparative example and the IGBT 900D (solid line) as the embodiment. FIG. 22 shows relationships between a power supply voltage V_(CC) and a saturation current density J_(C) (sat) or a maximum power density P_(max), as RBSOAs in the comparative example (broken line) and the embodiment (solid line). A region surrounded by each line in FIG. 22 is a region called a recovery safe operating area (SOA). The breaking capability during the turn-off of the IGBT is affected by efficiency of the hole injection from the p-collector layer 3. A dose in the p-collector layer 3 is a parameter for controlling trade-off characteristics between the ON-state voltage V_(CE) (sat) and a turn-off loss E_(OFF) in the IGBT. Even if the dose in the p-collector layer 3 is adjusted to control the trade-off characteristics between V_(CE) (sat) and E_(OFF), the embodiment (solid line) can obtain J_(C) (break) higher than that in the comparative example (broken line) as seen from FIG. 21 and is the excellent IGBT having a low dependence of the dose in the p-collector layer 3 on J_(C) (break). Moreover, FIG. 22 indicates the excellent effects of the embodiment that expands the RBSOA and increases the power density for breaking during the turn-off.

Table 1 below provides a summary of relationships between structural characteristics of the IGBTs 900A to 900D (structures A to D) and the turn-off maximum breaking current density J_(C) (break) with reference to a rated current density J_(C) (rated).

TABLE 1 Back Surface Ballast Structure of Resis- J_(C) (break) @ Structure Interface Area tance V_(CC) = 3600 V A (Comparative Ex- p-collector No 1.0 J_(C) (rated) ample) (IGBT 900A) B (IGBT 900B) n-buffer No 4.0 J_(C) (rated) C (IGBT 900C) p-collector Yes 3.0 J_(C) (rated) D (IGBT 900D) n-buffer Yes ≧7.0 J_(C) (rated)   

As shown above, the structures B to D (IGBTs 900B to 900D) have J_(C) (break), namely, the turn-off breaking capability, higher than that in the structure A (IGBT 900A). The structure D (IGBT 900D) particularly has the remarkably high capability.

FIG. 23 shows a configuration of an IGBT 900Z as another comparative example. The IGBT 900Z is different from the IGBTs 900A to 900D described above and includes a planar gate electrode 11. FIG. 24 shows the trade-off characteristics between the ON-state voltage V_(CE) (sat) and the turn-off loss E_(OFF) in the IGBT 900D (solid line) as the embodiment and the IGBT 900A (broken line) and the IGBT 900Z (alternate long and short dashed line) as the comparative examples. It is clear from the results that the IGBT 900D has the high turn-off breaking capability as described with reference to FIG. 21 and Table 1 and also has the excellent trade-off characteristics between the ON-state voltage V_(CE) (sat) and the turn-off loss E_(OFF).

(About IGBT 900E and IGBT 900F)

With reference to FIG. 25, in an IGBT 900E as a modification of the IGBT 900D (FIG. 6), the n-buffer layer 2 is provided only in the active area AR1 and not provided in the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3. The pattern of the n-buffer layer 2 may be the same as the pattern of the p-collector layer 3. In addition, such structure may be combined with the IGBT 900B instead of the IGBT 900D.

With reference to FIG. 26, in an IGBT 900F as a modification of the IGBT 900B (FIG. 2), the active area AR1 has a Metal Insulator Semiconductor (MIS) structural portions (left portion and right portion in the diagram) in which a MIS structural cell is disposed and a non-MIS structural portion (central portion in the diagram) in which no MIS structural cell is disposed. In the diagram, the central portion is a portion AR1 g in which the gate wiring portion 28 and the gate pad 29 (FIG. 1) are provided in the active area AR1. The p-collector layer 3 is not provided in the portion AR1 g, and, as a result, the buffer layer 2 contacts the collector electrode 4 on the lower surface S2. The MIS structure is typically a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) structure. Such structure also has the same effects as those of the IGBT 900D.

Second Embodiment

With reference to FIG. 27, a structure (referred to as a structure G) of an IGBT 900G in this embodiment is described.

A substrate SB in the structure G includes an n⁻-drift layer 1, an n-buffer layer 2, a p-collector layer 3, an n₊-emitter layer 5, a p⁺-layer 6, a p-base layer 8, an n-layer 24, a p-well region 9 a, a p⁻-extension region 9 j, and a plurality of p⁻-field-limiting rings 9 g. The p-well region 9 a is covered with an interlayer insulating film 12 b in an interface area AR2.

The p⁻-extension region 9 j extends outward (to the right side in the diagram) from the p-well region 9 a on an upper surface S1 and is shallower than the p-well region 9 a. The p⁻-extension region 9 j has a p-type and has a peak impurity concentration and a surface impurity concentration lower than those of the p-well.

Further, with reference to FIG. 28, the p⁻-field-limiting rings 9 g have the p-type. The p⁻-field-limiting rings 9 g are provided on the upper surface S1 outside the p⁻-extension region 9 j in an edge termination area AR3. The n⁻-drift layer 1 is located on the inner side of each of the p⁻-field-limiting rings 9 g on the upper surface S1, and each of the p⁻-field-limiting rings 9 g together with the n⁻-drift layer 1 located on the inner side forms corresponding unit structures US1 to US6 (collectively referred to as USs). A width W_(cellpitch) of the unit structure US is a fixed value. The p⁻-field-limiting ring 9 g located closer to the outside (right side in the diagram) has a lower proportion of a width W_(p−) to the width W_(cellpitch) of the unit structure US on the upper surface S1. The unit structure US located closer to the outside has a lower average dose. Herein, the average dose in the unit structure US is a numeric value that the number of ions implanted for forming the p⁻-field-limiting ring 9 g of the specific unit structure US is divided by an area of the unit structure US on the upper surface S1. In other words, the average dose in the unit structure US is a dose from a macroscopic perspective that ignores the internal structure of the unit structure US.

In the structure illustrated in FIG. 28, each of the unit structures USs on the upper surface S1 of the substrate SB has the fixed width W_(cellpitch). The p⁻-field-limiting ring 9 g located closer to the outside (right side in the diagram) has the smaller W_(p−) on the upper surface S1. To obtain the unit structures USs, an ion implantation mask having a plurality of openings at a fixed pitch may be used in an ion implantation step of forming the field-limiting rings 9 g, for example, the opening located closer to the outside having a smaller width. The field-limiting ring 9 g having the smaller width when subjected to the ion implantation eventually has a smaller depth after activation annealing, namely, after diffusion. FIG. 28 shows as if the p⁻-field-limiting rings 9 g are individual, but approximately ⅓ to ½ of the plurality of p⁻-field-limiting rings 9 g that have been originally formed as impurity regions are connected to the p⁻-extension region 9 j due to the activation annealing.

The width W_(p−) is preferably decreased by a fixed dimension for each unit structure US toward the outside. In this case, an average dose in the unit structure US linearly changes for each unit structure US toward the outside under the condition that the width W_(cellpitch) is fixed. From a macroscopic perspective that ignores the internal structure of the unit structure US, a pseudo-p⁻ well 9 p is supposed to be provided such that an impurity concentration thereof is decreased with a fixed concentration gradient in a direction of the arrow in the diagram, as shown in FIG. 29. In this configuration, on the upper surface S1, the p⁻-extension region 9 j (FIG. 27) has the almost fixed impurity concentration while the pseudo-p⁻ well 9 p located outside the p⁻-extension region 9 j has the impurity concentration linearly decreased toward the outside.

The configuration except for the above-described configuration is almost the same as the configuration of the IGBT 900D in the first embodiment described above, so that the same or corresponding components have the same references, and their description will not be repeated.

In this embodiment, the unit structures USs are formed of the p⁻-field-limiting rings 9 g provided in the edge termination area AR3, and the unit structure US located closer to the outside has the lower average dose. This configuration can sufficiently suppress the electric field strength in the interface area AR2 even if the edge termination area AR3 is smaller than the edge termination area AR3 in which the average dose is not controlled as described above. Thus, a temperature rise can be suppressed in the boundary between the active area AR1 and the interface area AR2 without greatly sacrificing the area of the active area AR1. In other words, both of a low ON-state voltage and a high breaking capability can be obtained. Particularly in a case where each of the unit structures USs have the fixed width W_(cellpitch), both of the low ON-state voltage and the high breaking capability can be obtained with more reliability.

Next, the verification results of the action effects described above are described below.

FIG. 30A shows the simulation results of each turn-off waveform of the collector-emitter voltage V_(CE) and the collector current density J_(C) in the IGBT 900A (FIG. 4) as the comparative example (broken line) and in the IGBT 900G (FIG. 27) as the embodiment (solid line). FIG. 30B is a graphical representation showing simulation results of peak temperatures inside the devices in the comparative example (broken line) and the embodiment (solid line). “x” in FIGS. 30A and 30B represents breakage of the device. The simulation results of the internal state of the device at the point indicated by an arrow in FIG. 30A are shown in more detail in FIGS. 31A and 31B. FIG. 31A shows temperatures inside the devices in the comparative example and the embodiment. FIG. 31B shows impact ionization rates inside the devices in the comparative example and the embodiment. In FIGS. 31A and 31B, the broken line portion indicated by an arrow corresponds to the interface area AR2. As seen from the simulation results, a local temperature rise in the interface area AR2 is lower in the embodiment than that in the comparative example. Thus, the embodiment conceivably has the smaller temperature rise inside the device during the turn-off operation of the IGBT and the higher breaking capability.

FIG. 32A shows relationships between a position X and electric field strength E_(edge) on the upper surface of the substrate each in a dynamic state (solid line) and a static state (broken line) of the IGBT 900A (FIG. 4) as the comparative example. FIG. 32B shows relationships between the position X and the electric field strength E_(edge) on the upper surface of the substrate each in the dynamic state (solid line) and the static state (broken line) of the IGBT 900G (FIG. 27) as the embodiment. Herein, the condition for the static state is that a collector-emitter voltage V_(CES)=3600 V, a gate voltage V_(G)=0 V, and a temperature T=423 K. For the dynamic state, the state indicated by the arrow in FIG. 30A is used. As seen from the results, the electric field strength E_(edge) around the boundary between the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3 is lower in not only the static state but also the dynamic state of the IGBT 900G than that in the IGBT 900A. In this manner, the electric field strength is more suppressed in the IGBT 900G than that in the IGBT 900A, and thus the impact ionization is suppressed (FIG. 31B), which conceivably suppresses the local temperature rise (FIG. 31A).

As described above, this embodiment can increase the turn-off breaking capability. Moreover, the active area AR1 can have the same configuration as that in the IGBT 900A (FIG. 4) in the comparative example, so that the other characteristics are not particularly adversely affected. Thus, this embodiment can also obtain the similar characteristics to those of the IGBT 900D (FIG. 6) described above.

Further, this embodiment can reduce the width of the edge termination area AR3. According to estimates by the simulation, the width measurement can be reduced by approximately 40 to 50%. This will be described below.

FIG. 33 shows relationships between a position X_(edge) along a F-F′ line and electric field strength E in the IGBT 900A (FIG. 4) as the comparative example (broken line) and in the IGBT 900G (FIG. 27) as the embodiment (solid line) under the conditions that a collector-emitter voltage V_(CES)=4500 V and a temperature T=298 K. As seen from the results, when the comparative example and the embodiment keep the same collector-emitter voltage V_(CES), the embodiment suppresses the electric field strength E more (see the down arrow in the diagram) than the comparative example while suppressing the measurement necessary for the position X_(edge) (see the left arrow in the diagram).

FIG. 34 is a graphical representation showing relationships between a breakdown voltage class V_(class) and a necessary width W_(edge) of the edge termination area AR3 in the comparative example (broken line) and the embodiment (solid line). The necessary width W_(edge) of the edge termination area AR3 can be more reduced by 40 to 50% in the embodiment than that in the comparative example regardless of the breakdown voltage class V_(class). In other words, the device structure of FIG. 27 in this embodiment allows for chip-size shrinking effects of reducing X_(n) and Y_(n) being the chip size of the semiconductor device shown in FIG. 3 without changing the size of the active area AR1 occupied in the semiconductor device. Specifically, this embodiment can increase the number of semiconductor devices (the number of theoretical chips) per wafer in which the semiconductor devices are formed and can reduce the cost of the chip.

Next, a modification is described below. With reference to FIG. 35, an IGBT 900H includes a floating electrode 13 e on each of the p⁻-field-limiting rings 9 g with the interlayer insulating films 12 a, 12 b therebetween. Each of the floating electrodes 13 e is disposed within the p⁻-field-limiting ring 9 g located directly below the floating electrode 13 e in a width direction (lateral direction in FIG. 35) with the interlayer insulating films 12 a, 12 b therebetween. With reference to FIG. 36A, in an IGBT 900I, a gate connecting electrode 13 b (see FIG. 27) extends to the p⁻-extension region 9 j with the interlayer insulating films 12 a, 12 b, which cover the p⁻-extension region 9 j, between the gate connecting electrode 13 b and the p⁻-extension region 9 j. It should be noted that the gate connecting electrode 13 b is formed so as to be located on the inner side of the p⁻-extension region 9 j and the floating electrodes 13 e are formed so as to be located within the p⁻-field-limiting rings 9 g as described above in the width direction (lateral direction in the diagram). With reference to FIG. 36B, an IGBT 900J has the structure of the IGBT 900I (FIG. 36A) from which the floating electrodes 13 e are omitted. These structures can obtain the higher breakdown voltage and the higher breaking capability while a distribution of the electric field strength in the edge termination area AR3 characterized by the IGBT 900G in FIGS. 32B, 33 does not vary with time and is stabilized in a range of operation temperatures that guarantee the performance of the IGBT even if electrical stress is applied.

Third Embodiment

This embodiment gives descriptions of a diode having the same configuration as the ballast resistance region (FIG. 5: the portion having the width L_(EEBR) in the p-well region 9 a in the IGBT 900C) described in the first embodiment. In addition, part of the descriptions of the same configuration as the IGBT 900C will not be repeated.

With reference to FIG. 37, a diode 800A (power semiconductor device) in this embodiment has an active area AR1, an interface area AR2 provided around a periphery of the active area AR1, and an edge termination area AR3 provided around a periphery of the interface area AR2 similarly to the IGBT shown in FIG. 5. The active area AR1 is a portion having the basic functions of the diode in this embodiment.

The diode 800A includes a substrate SB (semiconductor substrate), an anode electrode 13 (first electrode), a cathode electrode 4D (second electrode), and an interlayer insulating film 12. The substrate SB includes an n⁻-drift layer 1 (drift region), an n-buffer layer 2, an anode layer 8D, a p-guard ring 9, a p-layer 26, an n⁺-layer 27, and an n⁺-region 35. The anode electrode 13 is provided in the active area AR1 and contacts the anode layer 8D on an upper surface S1 of the substrate SB. The anode layer 8D is provided on the n⁻-drift layer 1. The cathode electrode 4D contacts a semiconductor layer formed of the p-layer 26 and the n⁺-layer 27 on a lower surface S2 of the substrate SB. The n⁺-layer 27 is provided only in the active area AR1. The n-buffer layer 2 is provided between the semiconductor layer and the n⁻-drift layer 1. The interlayer insulating film 12 has openings in the active area AR1.

The anode layer 8D has a depth of approximately 0.5 to 10 μm, for example. The anode layer 8D has a p-type and has a peak impurity concentration of, for example, approximately 1×10¹⁶ to 1×10²⁰ cm⁻³. The p-guard ring 9 has a depth of approximately 5 to 10 μm, for example. The p-guard ring 9 has a peak impurity concentration of approximately 1×10¹⁶ to 1×10²⁰ cm³, for example. The n⁺-region 35 has a depth of approximately 0.2 to 1 μm, for example. The n⁺-region 35 has an n-type and has a peak impurity concentration of, for example, approximately 1×10¹⁸ to 1×10²¹ cm⁻³. The p-layer 26 has a depth of approximately 0.3 to 5 μm, for example. The p-layer 26 has a surface impurity concentration of approximately 1×10¹⁶ to 1×10²⁰ cm⁻³, for example. The n⁺-layer 27 has a depth of approximately 0.3 to 5 μm, for example. The n⁺-layer 27 has a surface impurity concentration of approximately 1×10¹⁸ to 1×10²⁰ cm⁻³, for example.

A p-well region 9 a in the diode 800A forms an electrical path that connects the anode electrode 13 to an end portion (right end in the diagram) of the p-well region 9 a with the p-type region on the upper surface S1. This electrical path crosses the interface area AR2 between the active area AR1 and the edge termination area AR3 and has a resistance region having a width L_(ABR). The entire resistance region is covered with the interlayer insulating film 12. The p-well region 9 a has a width W_(p0). The outer peripheral end of the n⁺-layer 27 and the boundary between the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3 are spaced by a distance having a width W_(GR) therebetween.

The widths L_(ABR), W_(p0), and W_(GR) are important parameters in the design of the diode 800A. The width L_(ABR) is set so as to obtain a ballast resistance effect of sharing a temperature rise at both ends of a resistance region during a recovery operation of the diode to suppress a local temperature rise in one of the ends. Specifically, a temperature rise due to a local current concentration at an arrow WS shown in FIG. 37 is shared, to thereby suppress a local temperature rise. In this respect, the width L_(ABR) is specifically greater than or equal to 100 μm.

The ballast resistance region described above is not provided in a diode 800Z (FIG. 38) in a comparative example. FIG. 38 schematically shows one p-edge region 9 b, but there are a plurality of p-edge regions 9 b similarly to FIG. 37. In the diode 800Z, a local temperature rise is likely to occur in the boundary between the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3, namely, an arrow WS, on the upper surface S1 of the substrate SB during a recovery operation. This phenomenon limits the breaking capability of the diode 800Z.

In contrast, this embodiment suppresses a local temperature rise due to a concentration of current in the boundary between the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3 by distributing the current in the ballast resistance region corresponding to the position of the boundary between the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3, as described below with reference to FIG. 40A, during the recovery operation of the diode. Herein, the active area AR1 can have the same configuration as that in the conventional diode, so that an adverse effect such as an increase in ON-state voltage is not seen. As described above, similarly to the IGBT 900C, the diode 800A also has both of the low ON-state voltage and the high breaking capability.

Next, the verification results of the action effects described above are described below.

FIG. 39 shows waveforms of a voltage V_(AK) and a current density J_(A) during a recovery operation and a peak temperature T inside the device in each of the diode 800A as the embodiment (solid line) and the diode 800Z as the comparative example (broken line). FIG. 40A shows a relationship between a position X along a G-G′ line (FIGS. 37 and 38) and the current density J_(A) at a time t_(d) (FIG. 39) in each of the embodiment (solid line) and the comparative example (broken line), and FIG. 40B shows a relationship between the position X and a temperature T. In the comparative example (broken line) in which the ballast resistance region is not provided, a concentration of the current density J_(A) occurs at the end portion of the interface area AR2 located around the boundary between the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3, and a local rise in the temperature T occurs. As a result, as shown in FIG. 39, the diode 800Z fails to complete the breaking operation, leading to breakage. In contrast, in the diode 800A, the current density J_(A) is distributed in the interface area AR2 without being extremely concentrated, and there exists no place that is heated to 800 K or more, an index of temperature at which breakage of the device is likely to occur. The ballast resistance region shares the current, so that the diode 800A performs the breaking operation without breakage. Thus, the breaking capability of the diode in the embodiment improves.

FIGS. 41, 42A, and 42B show relationships between the widths L_(ABR), W_(p0) (FIG. 37) of the diode 800A and a temperature or a current density inside the device at the time t_(d) (FIG. 39). As seen from the results, L_(ABR)<W_(p0) needs to be set to suppress a concentration of the current density and a local temperature rise in order to improve the breaking capability of the diode.

FIG. 43 shows relationships between a proportion γ of an area S_(abr) of the ballast resistance region to an area S_(active cell) (namely, the area of the anode electrode 13) of the active area AR1 (FIG. 37) and a maximum breaking current density J_(A) (break) or an inside-device maximum temperature T_(max) during a recovery operation. In the example of FIG. 37, the area S_(abr) is substantially the same as the area of the interface area AR2, as shown in FIG. 44. J_(A) (break) is an experimental result in the actual device, and T_(max) is a simulation result. When γ is selected by the simulation such that T_(max) is set to be less than or equal to 800 K (in a safety region SZ in the diagram), the actual device having high J_(A) (break) can be obtained. Specifically, it is clear that the high J_(A) (break) can be obtained when γ is greater than or equal to 2% and less than or equal to 40%.

With reference to FIG. 37, the width W_(GR) is preferably set to be greater than the width W_(p0). To summarize the subject of the parameters, the relationships below need to be satisfied in order to increase the breaking capability of the diode 800A.

L _(ABR) <W _(p0)

2%≦γ≦40%

W _(GR) >W _(p0)

Fourth Embodiment

This embodiment gives descriptions of a diode having the same configuration as the unit structure US in the IGBT 900G (FIG. 28) described in the second embodiment. In addition, part of the descriptions of the same configuration as the IGBT 900G or the diode 800A (FIG. 37) described above will not be repeated.

With reference to FIG. 45A, a diode 800B in this embodiment includes an interlayer insulating film 12 a and an interlayer insulating film 12 b on an upper surface S1 of a substrate SB in an interface area AR2 and an edge termination area AR3. The substrate SB includes an anode layer 8D (impurity layer) that is provided on the upper surface S1 and has a p-type. The substrate SB includes a p⁻-extension region 9 j and a plurality of p⁻-field-limiting rings 9 g on the upper surface S1 in the edge termination area AR3. Similarly to the third embodiment, an n⁻-drift layer 1 is located on the inner side of each of the p⁻-field-limiting rings 9 g on the upper surface S1, and each of the p⁻-field-limiting rings 9 g together with the n⁻-drift layer 1 located on the inner side forms the unit structure US (FIG. 28). FIGS. 45B to 45D respectively show diodes 800C to 800E being modifications. The diode 800C (FIG. 45B) includes floating electrodes 13 e similarly to the IGBT 900H (FIG. 35). In the diode 800D (FIG. 45C), an anode electrode 13 extends to the p⁻-extension region 9 j with the interlayer insulating films 12 a, 12 b therebetween, similarly to the gate connecting electrode 13 b in the IGBT 900I (FIG. 36A). The diode 800E (FIG. 45D) has the structure of the diode 800D (FIG. 45C) from which the floating electrodes 13 e are omitted.

FIG. 46A shows waveforms of a voltage V_(AK) and a current density J_(A) during a recovery operation in each of the diode 800B as the embodiment (solid line) and the diode 800Z as the comparative example (broken line), and FIG. 46B shows peak temperatures T inside the devices during the recovery operation. In the comparative example, when t=5.5 μs, an abrupt decrease in YAK and an abrupt increase in temperature to T>800 K occur. In other words, breakage of the diode occurs in the middle of the recovery operation. In contrast, the break is completed without the breakage in this embodiment.

FIGS. 47A to 47D respectively show a relationship between a position X in a H-H′ line (FIG. 38) of the comparative example and surface electric field strength E_(surface) when t=t₁ to t₄ (FIGS. 46A and 46B). FIGS. 48A to 48F respectively show a relationship between a position X in a H-H′ line (FIG. 45A) of the embodiment and the surface electric field strength E_(surface) when t=t₁ to t₆ (FIGS. 46A and 46B). FIGS. 49A to 49D respectively show a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line of the comparative example and a current density j_(surface) when t=t₁ to t₄. FIGS. 50A to 50F respectively show a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line of the embodiment and the current density j_(surface) when t=t₁ to t₆. FIGS. 51A to 51D respectively show a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line of the comparative example and a temperature T_(surface) of the upper surface S1 of the device when t=t₁ to t₄. FIGS. 52A to 52F respectively show a relationship between the position X in the H-H′ line of the embodiment and the temperature T_(surface) of the upper surface S1 of the device when t=t₁ to t₆.

As seen from the results, the electric field strength in the interface area AR2 and the edge termination area AR3, particularly, the interface area AR2, during the recovery operation is lower in the embodiment than that in the comparative example, and the temperature rise in the interface area AR2 is suppressed. Thus, the diode 800B conceivably has the high breaking capability similarly to the IGBT 900G. As a result, the effect of expanding the SOA can be obtained.

FIG. 53 is a graphical representation for describing recovery SOAs in the comparative example (indicated by triangles) and the embodiment (indicated by circles). Herein, (dj/dt)_(max) represents a maximum value of a time derivative of a current density allowable during the break, and P_(max) represents a maximum power density. The dj/dt value is a slope of a waveform of a current density in a region shown in, for example, FIG. 46A, and the greater value allows the diode to perform the recovery operation at higher speed (that is to say, the breaking capability during the recovery operation of the diode is higher). It is clear from the results that the recovery SOA improves since this embodiment having the dj/dt value about three times as great as that in the comparative example allows the recovery operation at higher speed and allows the break of the power density 50 times as great as that in the comparative example.

The power semiconductor device in each of the embodiments is particularly suitable for the high breakdown voltage class of approximately 3300 to 6500 V, but the amount of the breakdown voltage of the power semiconductor device is not particularly limited and may be, for example, greater than or equal to approximately 600 V. Further, the material for the semiconductor substrate is not limited to silicon and may be wide band gap materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), for example. The first conductivity type and the second conductivity type of the semiconductor substrate may be respectively the n-type and the p-type and vice versa.

In addition, according to the present invention, each embodiment can be appropriately varied or omitted within the scope of the invention. While the invention has been shown and described in detail, the above description is the exemplification in all aspects and the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto. It is therefore understood the numerous modifications and variations can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF NUMERALS

1 n⁻-drift layer (drift region); 2 n-buffer layer (buffer layer); 3 p-collector layer (collector region); 4 collector electrode (second electrode); 4D cathode electrode (second electrode); 5 n₊-emitter layer; 6 p⁺-layer; 8 p-base layer; 8D anode layer (impurity layer); 9 p-guard ring; 9 a p-well region; 9 b p-edge region; 9 g p⁻-field-limiting ring; 9 j p⁻-extension region; 10 trench insulating film; 11 gate electrode; 12, 12 a, 12 b interlayer insulating film; 13 anode electrode (first electrode); 13 a emitter electrode (first electrode); 13 b gate connecting electrode; 13 c, 13 d electrode; 13 e floating electrode; 14, 15 passivation film; 22 gate electrode; 22 w gate wiring layer; 23 capacitor electrode; 24 n-layer; 26 p-layer; 27 n⁺-layer; 28 gate wiring portion; 29 gate pad; 32 channel stop electrode; 34 n-region; 35 n⁺-region; 38 p-region; 800A, 800B diode; 900A to 900I IGBT; AR1 active area; AR2 interface area; AR3 edge termination area; CS channel stop structure; S1 upper surface (first surface); S2 lower surface (second surface); SB substrate (semiconductor substrate); TC capacitor trench; TG gate trench; TS channel stop trench; US, US1 to US6 unit structure. 

1. A power semiconductor device having an active area, an interface area provided around a periphery of said active area, and an edge termination area provided around a periphery of said interface area, said power semiconductor device comprising: a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to said first surface, said first surface and said second surface each being located across said active area, said interface area, and said edge termination area, said semiconductor substrate including a drift region that is provided across said active area, said interface area, and said edge termination area and has a first conductivity type, a well region that is provided on said first surface, is at least partially included in said interface area, has an end portion on said first surface between said interface area and said edge termination area, and has a second conductivity type different from said first conductivity type, an extension region that extends outward from said well region on said first surface, is shallower than said well region, and has said second conductivity type, and a plurality of field-limiting rings that are provided on said first surface outside said extension region in said edge termination area and have said second conductivity type, said drift region being located on the inner side of each of said field-limiting rings on said first surface, each of said field-limiting rings together with said drift region located on the inner side forming at least one unit structure, said field-limiting ring located closer to the outside having a lower proportion of a width to a width of said unit structure on said first surface, said unit structure located closer to the outside having a lower average dose; a first electrode that is provided in said active area and contacts said first surface of said semiconductor substrate; and a second electrode contacting said second surface of said semiconductor substrate.
 2. The power semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein each of said unit structures on said first surface of said semiconductor substrate has a fixed width (W_(cellpitch)).
 3. The power semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein said semiconductor substrate includes a collector region being provided only in said active area, forming part of said second surface, and having said second conductivity type, said second surface in said edge termination area only having said first conductivity type.
 4. The power semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein said collector region has an area accounting for greater than or equal to 55% and less than or equal to 70% of said second surface of said semiconductor substrate.
 5. The power semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein said first surface of semiconductor substrate has an electrical path formed thereon, said electrical path connecting said first electrode to said end portion of said well region with a region of said second conductivity type, said electrical path has a ballast resistance region that is formed of said well region and has a width L, and the width L is set so as to cause a local temperature rise at both ends of said ballast resistance region during a breaking operation of said power semiconductor device.
 6. The power semiconductor device according to claim 5, wherein the width L is greater than or equal to 100 μm.
 7. The power semiconductor device according to claim 5, wherein said first surface of said semiconductor substrate in said active area has an area S_(act), said ballast resistance region on said first surface of said semiconductor substrate in said interface area has an area S_(abr), and the area S_(abr) is greater than or equal to 2% and less than or equal to 40% of the area S_(act).
 8. The power semiconductor device according to claim 1, further comprising a floating electrode provided on each of said field-limiting rings.
 9. The power semiconductor device according to claim 1, further comprising: an interlayer insulating film covering said extension region; a gate electrode; and a gate connecting electrode that is provided on said extension region with said interlayer insulating film therebetween and is short-circuited to said gate electrode.
 10. The power semiconductor device according to claim 1, further comprising: a floating electrode provided on each of said field-limiting rings; an interlayer insulating film covering said extension region; a gate electrode; and a gate connecting electrode that is provided on said extension region with said interlayer insulating film therebetween and is short-circuited to said gate electrode.
 11. The power semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein said semiconductor substrate includes an impurity layer that is provided on said first surface and has said second conductivity type, said power semiconductor device further comprising an interlayer insulating film covering said extension region, a first electrode having a portion contacting said impurity layer in said active area and a portion located on said extension region with said interlayer insulating film between said extension region and said first electrode, and a second electrode provided on said second surface of said semiconductor substrate.
 12. The power semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein said semiconductor substrate includes an impurity layer that is provided on said first surface and has said second conductivity type, said power semiconductor device further comprising a floating electrode provided on each of said field-limiting rings, an interlayer insulating film covering said extension region, a first electrode having a portion contacting said impurity layer in said active area and a portion located on said extension region with said interlayer insulating film between said extension region and said first electrode, and a second electrode provided on said second surface of said semiconductor substrate. 